Israel Adesanya discusses resistance to retirement plans amid struggles
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 25, 2026, 12:30 AM
Last updated Jun 25, 2026
Israel Adesanya, former UFC middleweight champion, stated he is not ready to retire despite facing a fourth consecutive loss, a second-round TKO against Joe Pyfer at UFC Fight Night 271 in February. Adesanya highlighted the personal significance of his career and how his ego influences his decision to continue fighting. He expressed a desire to improve his narrative and not let his recent performances define his legacy. Adesanya, who previously reclaimed his title at UFC 287 after a loss to Alex Pereira, remains committed to finding success in the octagon moving forward.
- •Adesanya has a professional record of 24-6 in MMA and 13-6 in UFC.
- •He lost to Joe Pyfer in a TKO at UFC Fight Night 271 in February.
- •Adesanya defended his middleweight title five times, second only to Anderson Silva.
- •He reclaimed his title by defeating Alex Pereira at UFC 287 in April 2023.
- 12:30 AMYahoo Sports — Israel Adesanya resists retirement: 'My ego is very tied into this'
"Former UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya isn't quite ready to call it a career just yet.
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